Giubiana of Seregno

The Night of the Giubiana

There is a night in Brianza when fire becomes the protagonist: it is that of the Giubiana, an ancient peasant ritual that in Seregno, in the Province of Monza and Brianza, is celebrated on the last Saturday of January. Tradition dictates that a large effigy in the shape of an old witch is burned to drive away the evils of the past and bring good luck for the new year.

Where and How it Takes Place

The setting for the festival is the Parco Madonna della Campagna, on Via Cagnola, where the evening begins at 7:00 PM. The program combines taste, entertainment, and storytelling:

• Yellow risotto with luganega sausage prepared by association volunteers;
• Fire shows by street artists;
• The telling of the Giubiana legend;
• The burning of the witch, the culminating moment, around 9:30 PM.

A Tradition for All Ages

The Giubiana is not just entertainment; it is an identity ritual. Children can hand over their letters to the witch, entrusting her with "the bad things they no longer want," in a gesture that blends play and symbolism. Organized by the Associazione Madonna della Campagna, the festival attracts historical residents and newcomers each year, all curious to discover this typical rural rite of Lombardy.

Why It's Worth Being There

Between the warmth of the bonfire, the aroma of the risotto, and the magic of the fire shows, the Giubiana of Seregno offers one of the most evocative evenings of the Brianza winter. A free event that tells, through fire, the deep connection of the territory with its peasant roots.